Greenhaven, yes I should really hold myself back from insanity when discussing lighting with my husband! Those are pretty track lights that you posted. Robotropolis - I thought track lighting is rigid track, while monorail is flexible curvy track? But yes, same concept. Thank you very much for the Canadian lighting online store - I will totally check that. So tricky finding Canadian sources sometimes. I do like the idea of wall-mounted articulated sconces as an alternative to ceiling-mounted lighting, at least on the long part of the perimeter "L". I may have some open shelving on the wall on either side of the range - TBD. Dh knows there are recessed lights designed to come in contact with insulation - but the boxes that go into the ceiling are apparently *huge*. So each one would require cutting a big hole and then a lot drywall repairing. We will hire out the drywall repairs, but don't want to incur unnecessary expense there. I'll definitely try out an LED E26 that you've recommended. EAM44, there *were* upper cabinets on either side of the window before. I agree the window size/proportions really leave a lot to be desired. I *adore* your inspiration photo. Unfortunately, this is an exterior load-bearing wall, with a walkway outside (fire regulations), in a condo building, with a moisture envelope. I've learned the hard way that standard solutions for openings in load bearing walls don't work in this building because replacement vertical studs can't be tied into joists in a structurally/seismically acceptable way due to difficulty accessing the locations where those tie-ins would have to happen. I'm going to add curtains and hope that that visually widens the window a bit. Here's a very crude mockup (no counters, fronts, curtain rod, etc.): Edb2n, I think a small lamp or two on the counter might end up being a good solution for me. Dh will complain about it most likely, but I hope he can compromise a bit there.

My house will have 12 ft highs ceilings with beams also. my first question. Will you have complete custom cabinets? If so this is a tad more workable. Looking back. The 12 ft ceilings have been a huge design issue regarding the range hood. I am going to the house later this afternoon. I will take some pictures. We are at framing. So no actual finished product. If you want 42 in uppers with the 12 inch stack on top. Plus whatever molding on top....I would have the ceiling touch the cabinets like your 2nd picture. 7 months ago when I started this process, having space between ceiling and the cabinets didn't bother me at all. But now thinking about my overall look. It is on my list of learning curves.

The refinement of crown mouldings and the roughness of hewn beams are an apple and an orange. Do one, or the other, but not both. Unless you like tension and conflict... On the other hand, if all of the beams are encased in finished wood, that's a horse of a different color. Or possibly, a mixed metaphor.

Ugh, our unit is actually one that can be completely built into the cabinet so no warranty issues there. you can add front cabinet panels etc but we chose to leave the stainless. It wasn’t a $5 hack and if you can’t tell we didn’t skimp on anything in our kitchen so it’s not about the $$$. It might ruin the look for you but we are very pleased with the look and it is just what we were going for. It’s obvious our taste are very different. I would love to see your kitchen since mine is not up to your high standards.